Vivian Reardon was one of the first nurses I encountered during my stay at Froedtert. I immediately knew I was going to love her. She was always positive and smiling, making you feel as though you are in good hands with her. I was 27 weeks pregnant when I was admitted to Froedtert; first, on the labor and delivery floor, and then I was transferred to the 6th floor, antepartum. I had ruptured and was going to be on the floor until I delivered the baby. As the days turned into weeks, Vivian and I became closer. One day I had been looking online, doing research on preemies, as I am going to be delivering at 34 weeks. I had come across literature for, "octopus for preemies", which is a crocheted octopus with tentacles that resemble the mother's umbilical cord. It was developed by a doctor and it helps preemies in the NICU to not pull on their tubes.
As I was about to order one online, Vivian came into the room and stopped me and said, "Don't order one, I'll make one for you!" She said she loves to crochet and would be honored to make one for me. Later that afternoon, she came in with patterns she found and was so excited to start working on it when she got home from work. She left my room and I started crying. I thought, "That's time she is taking out of her personal life away from family."
Vivian brought me two octopi she made, and I was in love with them. Vivian isn't just an amazing crocheter but also an amazing person and nurse. She would come in on her lunch breaks and spend time with me; we would eat and just laugh and spend time talking. I am so thankful I have met this amazing person and was able to be given the gift of her presence. Vivian deserves much more than the DAISY Award and nursing is truly her calling.
Thank you so much, Vivian, from the bottom of my heart! I will never forget the amount of caring and love you have given to me and my family.